TAKEAWAY-style bags aimed at helping residents keep burglars away are being dished out by police.

The brown-paper bags are being delivered to people in areas where crooks have already broken into homes across Basildon and Thurrock.

They contain ultraviolet property marking pens, a card for people to log their property on, stickers to warn off burglars and booklets offering crime prevention advice.

The burglary reduction kits all contain a letter from Chief Supt Maurice Mason explaining why residents need to do their bit to help police cut break-ins.

He said: “It is important to look through the eyes of a burglar and the simple fact of the matter is, they are less likely to target a home that is secured properly, with all valuables marked.

“We want to reassure the community we are doing all we can in the fight against burglars. The kit will explain to them how their contribution, by marking their property, will help us recover it if it is stolen.

“Burglary can have a lasting impact on victims’ lives, so we want to do all we can to stop them.”

The kits have been jointly funded and supported by the Basildon Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership.

Anyone wanting more information about the kits or preventing burglaries can contact Basildon crime reduction officer Mick Armstrong on 01268 244022 or Thurrock crime reduction officer Alan Twine on 01375 362135.